216 R.I. Code R. 216-RICR-20-10-2.5

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 216-RICR-20-10-2.5 - Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Practitioners

A. EMS Practitioners shall be licensed at the following levels:

1. Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) means an individual who holds a license to function as an EMR in Rhode Island.

2. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) means an individual who holds a license to function as an EMT in Rhode Island.

3. Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) means an individual who holds a license to function as an AEMT in Rhode Island.

4. Advanced Emergency Medical Technician-Cardiac (AEMT-C) means an individual who holds a license to function as an AEMT-C in Rhode Island.

5. Paramedic means an individual who holds a license to function as a paramedic in Rhode Island.

B. Requirements for initial licensure at all levels of EMS practice:

1. Applicants for licensure to function in Rhode Island in any one (1) of the levels of EMS practitioner must meet the following requirements and provide supporting documentation at the time of application:

a. Be eighteen (18) years of age or older.

b. Be a high school graduate or equivalent.

(1) An EMR applicant is exempt from this Rule.

c. Possess current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification pertinent to the level of licensure being sought.

d. Provide a biometric background check conducted within the last month.

e. Pay the application fee stated in the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by the Department of Health (Part 10-05-2 of this Title), if applicable.

f. Such other information as RIDOH may require.

2. Additional requirements for initial licensure of AEMT:

a. Current licensure as an EMT.

b. Current certification as an Advanced EMT by the NREMT.

3. Additional requirements for initial licensure of AEMT-C:

a. Current licensure as an EMT.

b. Successful completion of a RIDOH approved AEMT-C education course.

c. Current certification as an AEMT by the NREMT.

d. Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.

4. Additional requirements for initial licensure of Paramedic:

a. Current licensure as an EMT, AEMT or AEMT-C.

b. Current certification as a paramedic by the NREMT.

C. Requirements for renewal of license at all levels of EMS practice:

1. Applicants for licensure renewal in any one (1) of the levels of EMS practitioner must renew prior to the date of its expiration by submitting a completed application form and application fee stated in the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by the Department of Health (Part 10-05-2 of this Title), if applicable.

2. Requirements for EMR Practitioner License Renewal An EMR must maintain NREMT certification as an Emergency Medical Responder.

3. Requirements for EMT Practitioner License Renewal

a. An EMT licensed after January 1, 2012 must maintain NREMT certification as an EMT.

b. An EMT licensed prior to January 1, 2012 must complete the requirements of the Rhode Island Continued Competency Program (RI-CCP) or maintain NREMT certification as an EMT.

4. Requirements for AEMT Practitioner License Renewal An AEMT must maintain NREMT certification as an AEMT.

5. Requirements for AEMT-C Practitioner License Renewal An AEMT-C must complete the requirements of the RI-CCP, or maintain NREMT certification as an AEMT.

6. Requirements for Paramedic Practitioner License Renewal A paramedic must maintain NREMT certification as a paramedic.

D. Requirements for renewal of lapsed EMS practitioner licenses

1. An EMS practitioner whose license has lapsed for a period of less than one (1) year may be relicensed upon submission of a license application and documentation of licensure renewal requirements.

2. An EMS practitioner whose license has lapsed for a period of one (1) to two (2) years may be relicensed upon:

a. Submission of a license application and documentation of licensure renewal requirements; and

b. Successful completion of the appropriate NREMT exam or presentation of a current NREMT certification.

3. An EMS practitioner whose license has lapsed for a period of greater than two (2) years will be subject to the requirements for initial license.

E. Functions and Responsibilities of EMS Practitioners

1. Each EMS practitioner is authorized to perform functions based upon his or her level of education and licensure solely in affiliation with an ambulance service currently licensed by RIDOH unless providing care as a Good Samaritan. In performing his or her functions and responsibilities, the practitioner must follow standing orders from the medical director for the Center for Emergency Medical Services (CEMS).

a. Notwithstanding any Regulation or statewide protocol to the contrary, specimens to be used to test for active COVID-19 or COVID-19 antibodies, including nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal specimens, may be collected by EMS practitioners for the duration of the State of Emergency declaration arising out of the 2019 novel coronavirus.

2. Ensure that deficiencies in ambulance equipment are reported to the proper authority.

3. Ensure the ambulance and the equipment are clean, safe, and in proper working condition.

4. Maintain current knowledge of RIDOH Regulations, EMS care protocols, and standing orders.

5. Complete a RIDOH-approved electronic patient care report for all emergency calls.

6. Maintain a current and valid e-mail address on file with the RIDOH licensing system and the Rhode Island EMS Information System.

7. Any additional duties necessary to discharge his or her function as an EMS practitioner

8. All EMS practitioners must report in writing to CEMS within ten (10) days, any of the following:

a. Any felony charge or felony conviction in Rhode Island or any other jurisdiction.

b. Any charge or conviction for driving while intoxicated or under the influence in Rhode Island or any other jurisdiction.

c. Any charge or conviction for driving to endanger in Rhode Island or any other jurisdiction.

F. All EMS practitioners must comply with the pre-employment requirements of the Rules and Regulations pertaining to Immunization, Testing, and Health Screening for Health Care Workers (Subchapter 15, Part 7 of this Chapter).

G. Disciplinary Actions

1. In accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4.1-9, RIDOH may deny, revoke, or suspend a license or invoke other disciplinary action such as probation or reprimand against any licensee for cause. Cause shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

a. Fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license

b. Gross negligence in providing medical care

c. Impairment due to the use of alcohol or drugs

d. Severe mental incompetence due to any cause

e. Unprofessional conduct related to current standards of EMS practice

f. Violation of any Federal or State law

g. Conduct that has aided, abetted, or permitted any illegal act that is detrimental to health and safety

h. Performance of emergency medical tasks beyond his or her scope of practice, as defined by education, licensure, and/or standing orders

i. Failure to comply with any EMS Statutes and Regulations

2. Appeal from disciplinary actions may be taken pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4.1-9, R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35, and Practices and Procedures Before the Rhode Island Department of Health (Part 10-05-4 of this Title).

216 R.I. Code R. 216-RICR-20-10-2.5

Adopted effective 12/27/2018
Amended effective 12/27/2020